10 Reasons Why Dexter Resurrection is the Best Instalment Since the Original Series
10 Reasons Why Dexter Resurrection is the Best Installment Since the Original Series
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at elements that make “Dexter Resurrection” stand out from the three current follow-ups to Showtime’s killer dramatic thriller. Ready your stomach for some story spoilers.
More Cutting Thrills
Showtime’s “Dexter” has always limited novelist Jim Lindsay’s twisted vision of a forensic analyst who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer. The tamer gore is made up for with visceral violence, punctuating consistently tense cat-and-mouse games. As much as that declined over time, sequel series “Dexter: New Blood” finds irregular suspense in a singular murder-mystery. Prequel “Original Sin” went the other extreme of developing many bloodthirsty targets only to sharpen 20-year-old Dexter Morgan’s skills. But “Resurrection” nails it! It’s as violent as the original show ever was, but uses that to dramatic effect. There’s no shortage of monsters to fan the fear that anyone around us could be on the hunt. And Dexter’s hunt keeps every character’s motivations and fate chillingly vague.
Bends the MO
The true genius in “Resurrection’s” suspense is how it extends the lore. “New Blood” is geared toward the serialized elements of the original show, within the quaint New York town of Iron Lake. “Original Sin” was more about elaborating on the franchise’s established backstory in Miami, splitting its time between a “case of the week” and subplots about Dexter’s peers. “Resurrection” consolidates character focus and moves the action to sprawling New York City, where Dexter uncovers a secret society of serial killers. This sets up a new lore that balances our antihero’s episodic investigations with overarching drama and mystery arcs. It’s a fresh concept over the formula that made the original “Dexter” such an immersive saga.
Effective Twists
At least the first half of “Dexter’s” run was praised for its bold twists in character motivations, fates and relationships. “New Blood” continued this, but more for drama than creative storytelling. Revelations, like the identity of the main killer, weren’t especially surprising. There certainly weren’t many surprises in the prequel “Original Sin,” despite contrived liberties in characterization. Again, it’s not until the climax when the first season makes breaks in the main cases. “Resurrection” revives the original show’s knack for using twists to progress instead of punctuating the narrative. The nature of the serial killer club and its members is unfurled in a gripping slow-burn. The way these turns also evolve the characters says a lot about the series’ refreshing storytelling logic.
Sharpened Writing
The “Dexter” franchise has always cut the tension with dark humor and eccentric character types. With them came sharp dialogue and situations that often slipped into cheese. “New Blood” was much heavier, and struggled to sell comic relief like ill-fated podcaster Molly Park. Otherwise, it continued bad habits of melodrama and questionable character motivations that plagued later seasons of the original. “Original Sin” went particularly broad with its more youth-orientated scenarios and punch-up. But “Resurrection” really gets the sick wit that started it all. The plotting is concise and organic, with clever lines and natural patter. It also grasps the irony and introspection in Dexter’s campy voiceovers. For all its pulpy faults, “Resurrection’s” scripting is more refined where it counts most.
New Players
One of the riskiest moves with any sequel, and even prequel, is adding to a beloved cast. Not many fell in love with the newcomers in “New Blood.” Businessman Kurt Caldwell is an ultimately effective, if overly telegraphed villain. But Dexter’s communal ties in Iron Lake don’t hold up under his neighbors’ banality. Police Chief Angela Bishop’s inconsistent investigative skills have been particularly criticized. And “Original Sin” was too involved in bringing back classic characters to do much with the new ones. “Resurrection” perfectly utilizes its colorful ensemble, genuinely humanizing Dexter through the decency of the Kamara family and sustaining momentum with no-nonsense NYPD detective Claudette Wallace. Of course, the effectiveness of the killers is especially crucial when their faces are so recognizable.
Catchier Headliners
One thing “Resurrection” definitely has over its predecessors is star power. Certainly, “New Blood” boasts recognizable talent like Julia Jones, Jamie Chung and the reliably terrifying Clancy Brown. Sadly, “Original Sin” underutilized Patrick Dempsey and legendary scream queen Sarah Michelle Gellar as Dexter’s mentors. With the most important figure being his father Harry, Christian Slater surely has the magnetism to carry the whole prequel. “Resurrection” could have easily been overpowered by the celebrity of Peter Dinklage as wealthy murder enthusiast Leon Prater, and Uma Thurman, Krysten Ritter, David Dastmalchian and Neil Patrick Harris in his cast of killers. Instead, their force behind the unpredictable villains is precisely what makes their every scene so enchanting.
Returning to the Scene
Before Angel Batista’s new lead on the Bay Harbor Butcher, “Dexter: New Blood” fulfills its title. “Original Sin,” on the other hand, strained to get the team back together. Nearly all of Dexter’s colleagues from the top of the original series are already working at Miami Metro PD when he joins. And their broadest quirks are brought to the forefront. With “Resurrection,” Vince Masuka and Joey Quinn return only briefly to help put things into perspective. Batista, now retired, heads the supporting cast with his ace detective skills and complicated relationship with Dexter. The Butcher’s imagined conversations with his vile victims are certainly more compelling for a morality play than a guilt trip. Never mind the ghosts of his conscience.
Like Father, Like Son (and Daughter)
The complicated bonds within the Morgan family are the crux of Dexter's character as a moral sociopath. Even after the series finale leaves him with nothing, imagined conversations with adoptive sister Debra bog down “New Blood” with a depressing guilt trip. Though the prequel is surely driven by family, the sometimes far-fetched ethical quandaries in Harry training a vigilante eclipse Deb’s teen melodrama. “Resurrection” knows how to use the ghosts, especially Harry. James Remar gives another hypnotic performance as he guides Dexter’s methods and parenting skills. Generally recognized as the real “Dark Passenger,” Harry forces his son to confront the moral ambiguity in his vigilantism. As crucially as the Morgans represent the antihero’s conscience, he needs a less abstract motivator.
Harrison’s Characterization
Jack Alcott’s performance in the “Dexter” sequels has been consistently praised. But after Harrison Morgan reunites with his father at the end of a tumultuous childhood, his arc on “New Blood” split audiences. This especially goes for the crude conclusion to Dexter's redemption arc, in which he allows his son to shoot him to cleanse the homicidal urges. Thus, Dexter miraculously survives to find Harrison in New York. What this hook lacks in logic is made up for in Harrison’s richer, more personal development. His drive to rise above his impulsive murders poetically contrasts with his father's warped code. Whether their relationship is redemptive or a dangerous burden, “Resurrection” treats Harrison not as a glorified plot device, but as a worthy co-protagonist.
Justice for Dexter
Really, “Dexter” fans have been conflicted ever since showrunner Clyde Phillips’s departure after Season 4. Most agree that Dexter mercy-killing Debra and going on the run made for a disastrous series finale. Phillips’s return for “New Blood” didn't especially endear audiences with its preposterous representation of a psychopath suppressing his urges. And “Original Sin” naturally found him a bit rusty in his early 20s. In “Resurrection,” Dexter’s cunning and cutting as a homicidal vigilante are back, but more complicated. His age and near-death experience bring perspective to his good intentions and wretched id. When he steps over the line, it feels organic. The antihero is always compelling for his complexity and Michael C. Hall’s amazing performance. Kudos to “Original Sin’s” Patrick Gibson, too. But with “Dexter: Resurrection,” the brand finally returns to its former gory glory.
What is your favorite run in the “Dexter” franchise, and how do you justify that? Give your statement in the comments.
